Robots
are being developed around the world for use in a myriad of tasks.
People have dreamed of robots that will help take care of their homes
and work alongside humans for decades and as technology evolves, we
are coming closer to that reality.

Robots using technology
that was once pure fiction are now actually being developed. Honda
developed a small humanoid robot in 2009 called Asimo that
was controlled
by the thoughts of the human sitting in the control chair.
The system used electroencephalography technology to measure
electrical potential on the scalp of the operator with tech that was
able to measure blood flow in the brain. Together with other tech,
the user could control the robot to some extent by thought
alone.

NASA is also very interested in robots for space
exploration that are capable working in space side by side with human
astronauts. The project is continuing despite the fact that Obama's
2011 budget killed hope of a manned mission to the moon.

GM
and NASA worked together in the 1960's on the first moon flights. GM
played a pivotal role in creating the iconic Lunar Rover Vehicle that
the first lunar missions used for transportation. GM and NASA are now
working together on the next generation of robots for space
exploration and other uses here on Earth where risks to humans are
too great. GM and NASA are working together through the Space Act
Agreement at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to build a humanoid
robot called Robonaut
2 or R2. R2 is a faster and more dexterous version of the
original Robonaut NASA built in the past. R2 is capable of using its
hands to perform tasks beyond what previous humanoid robots were
capable of doing.

NASA's Doug Cooke said, "This
cutting-edge robotics technology holds great promise, not only for
NASA, but also for the nation. I'm very excited about the new
opportunities for human and robotic exploration these versatile
robots provide across a wide range of applications."

GM
is looking at the R2 project as a way to develop new technology that
will allow it to make safer cars and production facilities in the
future. The technology being developed in the R2 project uses
advanced controls, sensors, and safety systems that can be adapted
for vehicles and other needs.

"For GM, this is about
safer cars and safer plants," said Alan Taub, GM's vice
president for global research and development. "When it comes to
future vehicles, the advancements in controls, sensors and vision
technology can be used to develop advanced vehicle safety systems.
The partnership's vision is to explore advanced robots working
together in harmony with people, building better, higher quality
vehicles in a safer, more competitive manufacturing
environment."

The original Robonaut was built by NASA and
designed for space travel as part of a collaborative effort with
DARPA ten years ago. NASA has gained significant expertise in
robotics and is using what it has learned in the R2 project in the
hopes of creating a new era of space exploration.

"Our
challenge today is to build machines that can help humans work and
explore in space," said Mike Coats, Johnson's center director.
"Working side by side with humans, or going where the risks are
too great for people, machines like Robonaut will expand our
capability for construction and discovery."

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